RICHMOND, Va. — A vigil in Mosby Court honored the legacy of the Virginia State Police trooper fatally shot in the public housing neighborhood Friday evening.
Charles D. Willis with United Communities Against Crime organized the “Unity in Our Community Prayer Vigil” that lasted more than an hour Monday evening to honor VSP Special Agent Mike Walter not far from where he was fatally shot on Redd Street.
Participants brought candles as well as blue and black balloons that were released in Walter’s honor.
The vigil occured as people from across Central Virginia honor Walter’s legacy. In fact, the two memorials for the father of three are growing: One is at Virginia State Police headquarters in Midlothian and a second is at the VSP’s Powhatan office along Route 60.
That is where Walter’s police vehicle is adorned with flowers and signs that read: Thank you, hero.
Walter, who served nearly 20 years with Virginia State Police, was fatally shot Friday evening during a traffic stop in Mosby Court. Authorities arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the shooting Saturday morning in Northumberland County.
Powhatan Youth Wrestling Club
In addition to a passion for law enforcement, Walter is being remembered as a beloved wrestling coach who co-founded Blackhawk Gym in Powhatan.
Several men who have known him for years through the gym reflected on the impact he has made on the kids he coached.
“Mike lived and breathed energy,” Rob McMillin with Blackhawk Wrestling said. “And passion was certainly part of it, but he also had a bedrock sense of value and character that he displayed throughout his life and also exemplified before the people he was mentoring.”
Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter
Walter is survived by his a wife and three children.
Officials said funeral plans have not been finalized.
If you would like to make a donation in Walter’s memory, you can mail a check to the state police emergency relief fund in his name:
The Virginia State Police Association
Emergency Relief Fund
6944 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond VA 23225
NOTE: Place “SA Michael Walter” in the memo line
Or click here if you would like to make a donation to the fund via PayPal.
Depend on WTVR.com and CBS 6 News for continuing coverage of this important local story.
Remembering Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter
